Jane Ellen Witt advocated for social change

Jane Ellen Witt (nee Baggot), 78, died on Nov. 29. She was well-known in the community as a proponent for peace and social justice.

Jane went to St. Edward School and St. Catherine’s School growing up, and later graduated from Spencerian Business College in 1962. At this college, Jane met Richard Witt, whom she married the same year. They raised four children – Elizabeth, William, Kathryn, and Andrew.

For many years, Jane was an avid student of theology and an active church-goer. Initially, she was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, and later a member of Emaus Lutheran Church. She was also chair of the Racine Democratic Party.

Jane worked at the Journal Times for some time, before retiring in 1992 after Richard’s death. She then became even more enthusiastic about her faith and community. She was on the Racine Interfaith Coalition for St. Andrew’s Church, serving as Board Secretary. She was also instrumental to the Sacred Ground Task Force to improve the safety of neighborhoods.

In addition to these activities, Jane also spearheaded the creation of WOW (Women of Worth), a substance abuse treatment program that caters specifically to women. Jane and WOW won several awards, including the Outstanding Service Award at the Racine Interfaith Coalition’s annual Love and Justice Breakfast in 2014.

Jane is survived by her four children, Elizabeth Witt, Bill (DeAnna) Witt, Kate (Steve Winter) Witt, Andrew (Kristin) Witt; grandchildren, Colin, Zach, Peyton, Molly, Sadie and Mason; her sister, Bridget (Hans) Weitkuhn, and her brother, Robert Baggott; brother-in-law, David Barden; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Jean Barden (nee Baggott), her husband, and her granddaughter, Elissa Witt Reeve.

The memorial service for Jane will be held at Emaus Lutheran Church, located at 1925 Summit Ave, on December 7th at 11 a.m. Visitation hours will be at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to WOW (Women of Worth), Agrace Hospice, the Racine Democratic Party, or any other peace and social justice organization in your community.